CHAPTER 7 – Change is Here

Shore of North Sea, 50kms East of Bexley, W.M.P Headquarters

The sound of waves crashing into the bank was the only thing heard in the Headquarters. Shell shocked, each candidate who had lost unthinkably was wearing their hand on their heads, mouths open. Lucius however was looking at their leader. The cruel expression on Salazar's (Riddle's) face would haunt him in his dreams for the foreseeable future. His opinion that the magical community would slap away Dumbledore's ploy of introducing women into the battle was biggest blunder in his entire life. The ten 'women' candidates had not only won but their victories were sensational. This election poll also set the record for the highest percentage of votes chronicled. A total of 96.5% votes were registered as opposed to the 57% which was the previous best in 1965. Lucius was smart enough to understand that the difference was mainly due to the apathy shown by the Witches in the prior elections. Now that they had adequate representation in the Senate the Witch community had come out and made their voices heard. And the voice was loud enough to deafen him and his comrades for quite sometime. The media though would have the time of their lives. The only nation where the purebloods formed a major portion of the electoral defied its beliefs and elected women before men. On his right Lucius saw Borgin. Only the memory of the look on Salazar's (Riddle's) face deterred him from laughing at the dodgy shopkeeper. He had the worst ever defeat barring the unanimous election of Dorcas Davies. Out of the ten thousand electors, ninety seven hundred of them voted for his opponent and that too after his most successful campaign speeches. Everywhere Borgin spoke there were at least five hundred in the crowd. The W.M.P managed a paltry fourteen seats to the thirty five by the M.U.P. But three of their party's Irish and Scottish candidates who had won had already left the headquarters. 'I would bet my life that they were at the Potter Mansion in Norwich now. So technically, we only had eleven seats to our name', thought Malfoy.

Potter Mansion, 60kms North of Norwich

Lucius Malfoy was correct in his thinking. Four men wearing black cloaks suddenly appeared in an open field. The Wizards turned around and saw, about 200mts from them, their target, the Potter Mansion. Cheers of joy were heard even at this distance. The men exchanged glum looks as they were about to enter the gate guarding the grounds.

"Welcome gentlemen, I have been waiting for you for half an hour. I hope you are here because you have reconsidered my offer of lending us your allegiance." The four startled men with hands on their hearts looked into the twinkling Blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore. Albus knew that with the huge loss the W.M.P suffered tonight the Irish and Scottish leaders, with the exception of Salmond, would try to distance themselves from them. He had hoped that at least a few of them would jump on to their boat. He had to explain the importance of this merger to the younger generation. Sirius was particularly hard to convince, indifferent to his refusal to enter the political arena; he was the follower of Alastor's ideology – 'It's more fun to be an Auror than to sit in the Senate and listen to budget meets.

Ten Minutes Ago

"I don't understand Dumbledore, Why should we allow the weasels to join us? Didn't we ask them for their co-operation before? I say we let them rot, after all they did support Gaunt's idiots last time around." Sirius protested against Albus's suggestion to allow any Irish and Scottish leaders to merge with them.

"Sirius Orion Black shut your gap and listen completely to what Albus is saying. Honestly you haven't learnt a thing about manners since you were three years old." Sirius rolled his eyes in exasperation at his Aunt's Scolding. Unfortunately Dorea saw this. "Don't you roll your eyes boy or I will box your ears."

Albus who was smiling at Sirius turned his head slightly and nodded his thanks at Dorea Potter. He had expected the interruption but had guessed that it would come from James Or Frank as it had been those two who went to ask the Irish and Scottish leaders for allegiance respectively. 'I should have guessed it would be Sirius. He is very protective of his friends', Albus thought. It was true Sirius was always very protective of his friends especially James. You could insult Sirius and live to tell the tale but one can never insult James or the rest of Marauders before Sirius if they expected to live. Albus remembered Sirius's rant for three hours, insulting the leaders, their parent, their grandparents and even their great grandparents. He would have continued further if Dorea hadn't slapped him on the back of his head. Sirius feared no one not even Lily or Dumbledore or Charles but Dorea frightened him. 'May be it's a Black thing' Charles had once said to Dumbledore. Irrespective of the reason, Albus was grateful for Dorea's interjection, so he continued.

"Yes Sirius I know that they refused us before but if we embraced them now when we do not require their assistance they would never deviate from us in the future. Besides Nathan's and Peter's friends prefer their academic career to politics and this was only a onetime thing. If the others see use embracing their clan members without any need to do so we can solidify our support in these two nations. Also I don't think that the candidates who have criminal ties would approach us, so there is no harm in it and only longterm gain."

Everyone agreed but Sirius still didn't like it. Once he made his mind about anyone he didn't change it; doubly so if that someone insulted his friends. The only exception was Lily Evans now Potter.

Present

Shane O'Hanahan, Niall Cusack, Kevin O'Brien and Dewald Hoffmann were the four non English politicians that came to join M.U. Party. The first three were the most influential Irish leaders and with their admission the M.U.P swept the Irish constituencies completely into their basket. Though Dewald lost his battle against Craig Hamilton, a Potion master and social reformer, it was still a close battle and now with Dewald's admission into the party Craig can happily go back to his research in potioneer. Albus led the thoroughly embarrassed foursome into the Potter garden. They stood at the side and observed the Chaos as Albus went to collect Charles. It was loud. The children were running around in age related gangs. The small girls, below three years, were off to the side playing calmly with one lone young boy keeping them company sometimes attack their midriff, tickling them, making them laugh. The boys except for four were all in the air on their broomstick flying along with three men acting as their chaperone in air, who shouted at them to slow down if any tried to go faster than was allowed. Two women, Lily Potter and her friend whose name eluded them, were also watching the children in air, from time to time sneaking glances away from the conversation they were having with Charles Potter and Dedalus Diggle, as the elderly men exchanged amused looks when the women would sneak a glance at the kids. A plump red headed woman, a black lady with straight long hair and women they knew as Dorcas Davies were also not paying much attention to the discussion being conversed in their group. The three of them were not even pretending to be listening, unlike Lily and her friend, but their group seemed to be fine. In fact James Potter and Frank Longbottom would sneak at the boys and then glance back to the ladies then share a look before smiling broadly. The four newcomers new of James's and Frank's reputation as pranksters, So they looked at the four kids more closely. The kids perhaps sensing they were being watched turned around and looked at the women, perhaps their mothers if their hair was any clue, and smiled innocently making their mothers roll their eyes and James & Frank to snicker. The four men watching also let out small laughs at the kid's behaviour. All four of them were Grandfathers so they had their fair share of grandkids who were much too mischievous for their own good and knew to spot such children when they saw one. Charles, Dedalus and Albus reached them as the foursome started laughing. Charles looked at where the four new recruits were looking and smiled

"Ah yes the new marauders, always plotting. It feels like yesterday when Aaron and I were eaves dropping on my father's group. Now when I open my eyes I am a grandfather, but there are still troublemakers in the making." Charles's words brought smiles again on to the faces of those present. Albus agreed with his old friend's words "Yes I think that is one think that would never change no matter how many governments change and new bills introduced, and I hope it won't ever. But enough about young boys and their penchant for doing mischievous things lets gather everyone up, except Molly, Lily, Remus and Alice, and talk about what new reforms we have to bring about. These four years we have to be very careful in our reforms. We have for the first time nearly total control over the policies to be implemented and that is great power which has to be wielded correctly and with great caution. I don't think Molly, Lily and Alice would leave the kids out in the playground alone and Remus is their designated chaperon for broomstick related activities. We will leave the chaperoning duty to them along with John and Cameroon." As Dumbledore spoke the last words the rest of the elderly gentlemen with him looked around, some at Molly warning the twins not to cause any trouble today, some at Alice directing Remus towards Neville and Harry, who were trying to start a race and the rest at a smiling Lily who responded to the pleas from Luna and Ginny to catch a laughing Blake who attacked the girls, tickling them. As Albus and Charles gather the herded the crowd into the living room for the official party conference regarding their goals during the next four years Lily tackled an out of breath Blake and they fell to the ground in a heap giggling madly, joined after a moment by Luna and Ginny who finally caught up to them. Albus shared mirthful look with Lily's Parents who were also watching their daughter chase after Blake at his laughter as the girls and Lily tickled him. And after filling his mind with picture of the happy group he went inside closing the door on him.

The Conference inside

Albus Dumbledore stood on the third step on the stairs leading to the first floor in the magically enlarged living room of the Potter Mansion, looking down at the excited faces of the party members. The victory was more than what they had hoped for and the jolt of the surprise was clearly embedded on each person assembled. Sirius was entertaining his peers by doing funny impression of his mother making them laugh. Dumbledore could not hear everything and could only see Sirius's expression but the impression was uncanny and more importantly amusing. Walagabura Black was not a pleasant person to talk to more so if she knew you supported the 'Muggle Filth'. Dorea, who is the sister of current Lord Black, Arcturus visited her brother seldom but had shared with him that she tried to avoid her sister-in-law. Albus didn't envy Sirius for growing up with such a woman for a mother figure. If not for Dorea Sirius would have spent his teen years in the Black Mansion in London, a place, Sirius said, he would prefer after the Azkaban prison with only Dementors for conversation. Sirius had tried to divert his younger brother from their mother's teachings hoping that their comradelier times when they were kids gave him the edge, but Regulus was not swayed. Though Sirius stated that he didn't care if his brother rotted under their mothers shadows, Albus knew he still cared for the little boy he remembered protecting. Albus could surely relate to Sirius's feeling as he too kept close tabs on Aberforth despite the fact that his brother still hated him. Albus came out of his musings as Charles cleared his throat loudly and tilted his head at Albus indicating him to speak to the crowd. Albus nodded his head and smiled before casting loud and bright sparks, drawing the attention from the assembled persons. Sirius booed at Albus for interrupting his act for which he was awarded with Dorea winding his ears resulting in a moan of pain from Sirius and laugh from his friends.

"Ha Yes Sirius I will try to keep my speech and allow you to entertain the guests with your mimicry of Lady Black. But I am afraid there is a lot to discuss but I am sure we will excuse you for finer details." With that he turned to the rest of the pack and Continued "Congratulations are in order for our party members and the advisors who worked behind the scenes tirelessly for us to achieve this great Victory. While everyone who won or lost is to be applauded I think everyone would agree that special cheers should go to our debutants who rocked the ship of our opposition. So please everyone put your hands together for Amelia, Chloe, Maria, Vivian (Madame Malkin), Erin, Lara, Eve, Dorcas, Alice and Lily." The ten ladies Dumbledore mentioned waved around some shyly like Maria, Chloe and Eve while other with varied expressions from grave to smiles. "Lily and Alice are out and be sure to pass your congratulations to these younglings who I am sure would revolutionize the laws governing our nations." Albus turned his head towards Charles as he reminded Albus about the new members of the M.U.P but an Impatient Sirius started clapping, cheering as he thought Albus was done and turned back to the group he was entertaining before the rude interruption of Albus's speech to get back to his act. But to his frustration Albus continued "Thank you Sirius for your encouragement. With such willing and attentive addressees I think I want to talk for an hour more." As expected this got a huge moan that was followed by an even louder boo from Sirius as he covered his ears protecting them from his Aunt. Albus laughed at the young Auror and comforted him "Not to worry Sirius I have one last thing to add. We have four new members allying with our party. Please welcome for our new members Shane O'Hanahan senator from Waterford, Ireland, Niall Cusack senator from Dublin, Ireland, Kevin O'Brien senator from Belfast and our Scottish brother from Dundee, Dewald Hoffmann. I hope you will make our new party members feel at home and welcome them into our family. With that I take your leave. Sirius I think you can go back to entertaining your friends and once again WELLDONE." Sirius cheered Albus's decision to end his boring dribble while they could enjoy the party. Albus called Charles, Alastor, Elphias, Dedalus, Maria and Amelia as came down the stairs. "Maria dear will you please call Lily. I need to talk to her in private." As Maria smiled and left to inform Lily of Dumbledore's request, he turned around to his old friend Elphias Doge, "Elphias please inform Chloe, James, Frank and Arthur to meet us in Charles's office and you Charles please bring with you Evey and Douglas while I collect our new members and meet the rest of you there."

Charles's Office, Potter Mansion

As everyone took their seats on the couches around the table, Albus and Charles sat in the chair before the table. Charles started the conversation as all the invited guests made themselves comfortable on their couches.

"You were all invited here as Albus, Elphias and I have thought of to add you into the cabinet. I know Dewald and Shane are last minute additions but it was like it was meant to be. We hadn't decided on who to place in a couple of posts and both of you are tailor made for them. I know for a few of you this is the debut in the senate but I have complete confidence that you would do justice to the posts we have assigned for you."

Elphias agreed "Yes, we believe that a mixture of youth and experience is required for the important posts. Before this election itself we had this rough plan drawn up and by the Gods' Grace we didn't have alter it much." Albus took over and announced the posts

"Lily, you are to take the position of the Minister of Health. I know for sure that there is no one better for the post than you and I ask Shane if he is willing to act as Lily's deputy as he too has a background in medicine." Shane O'Hanahan nodded his head displaying his agreement before smiling congenially at the Potter daughter in law who smiled her thanks. Albus too smiled happily, "Excellent. Now moving on to the position of Minister of Defence – Amelia we allotted the post to you and Alastor had already agreed to be your assistant." Amelia nodded and thanked her mentor "Thanks Alastor. I am glad I have such an efficient Wizard with knowledge of the criminal enterprises." Moody barked out a harsh laugh "Hahhaah, no sweat laddie. We will make them bleed out their illegal operations, starting with that bastard Salmond." Albus shook his head, exasperated at his old friend's penchant for rocking bludgers at hardened criminals as hard as they try to resist arrest. "Those Plans latter Alastor. Now where were we, ha yes after Law enforcement the next ministry is Finance and who better than the girl who won the hearts or rather the minds of hardened pureblooded businessmen." Chloe, embarrassed, looked like she would rather have the earth open wide and swallow than be there. "Don't look down dear. You did what we with our added experience couldn't do and not only that you also gave us very good financial advice. And that is why we want Dewald to help our young Evey who will be our new Foreign Affairs Minister. Both of you have very powerful relatives in France, Spain and Germany who could sway the governments of those countries to sign the Union Treaty Chloe mentioned to us. I too would do my part as I have a few friends in the ICW representing Austria, Greece and Norway. More countries that sign the agreement the higher the economic boom will be." "Yes, it will be mutually beneficial. And to continue we want Frank to head the Education & Research Ministry with Maria to be the Deputy Minister. We hope while Frank deals with getting the States' help in lending us a hand in the development of research opportunities, Maria can deal with her previous boss, Croaker." Both Frank and Maria nodded, Frank with a smile and Maria contemplatively, already thinking of ways to improve the present system. "That leaves the most difficult Ministry of Agriculture and Relations, and we thought that as Douglas did such a good job in his post the last time around, we could reappoint him back. Arthur we hope you will assist Douglas with Muggle relations, and we wanted to ask Erin to assist with agricultural aspects and Remus has already agreed to assist with the relations with Centaurs, Werewolves and Vampires. Griphake the Strong of the Goblin's Grouphy clan has agreed to assist him on Goblin matters", Elphias spoke. "So who's going to be the Minister of Magic and his deputy?" James asked sharing a smile with Frank, "Is it Elphias or you, dad. Frank, Sirius & I have this wager. I bet that Elphias would be the Minister, despite him acting in the same capacity the last time but Frank & Sirius disagree. They said that you will be the minister whereas Elphias would act as your deputy." As James explained, Frank was looking keenly at the Trio of Albus, Charles and Elphias to see who was correct. Albus smiled at Charles and Elphias, Elphias and he nodded at Charles to go ahead and explain it his son and Frank. "Well son you're correct in that Elphias is the Minister but…." James didn't give his father the chance to complete his sentence as he began his celebrations and Frank let out a deep moan as his friend danced in front of him with his tongue out, teasing him. The newcomers were silent shocked at James's behaviour. To be fair they didn't really expected him to act like this in public but still… Amelia smiled at the duo. She was in her seventh year when the infamous Marauders entered Hogwarts but she was very familiar with their antics as both Lily and Alice often complained about their immaturity. Eve, Chloe and Maria exchanged smiles with eve giggling like a school girl as she saw Lily rolling her eyes and looking at heavens in a silent prayer, probably for granting her more patience. Lily after her usual 'Marauder Response' (rolling eyes and silent prayer) turned to look at Charles only for her to find the Elder foursome of Elphias, Charles Dedalus and Douglas smiling excited. "So Frank, seeing as James is in his zone", Douglas nodded at James who was still dancing with his head tilted back eyes closed, "Would you mind to share what the bet was?" Before Frank could answer Lily responded "Really Douglas! Don't encourage them. They are already immature enough to pass for a five year old, competing with the twins, Lee and Roger in a prank battle, with your encouragement they will deteriorate to the standard of three year olds and start corrupting Harry and Neville next." Instead of being mortified Lily's scolding enhanced their smiles to belly-laughs. "Soooo," Frank began casting a wary look at Lily, "we bet that if we were to be proved wrong the loser has to shave his head and for the next four gatherings at the Mansion he/they have to wear a dress." This information caused more laughter from the rest and another set of rolled eyes from Lily."HAhHAHAHa well Frank I think I have good news for you, at least half good news. Charles is not the deputy. We decided to appoint James as my deputy." The still dancing James stopped his dancing as Elphias mentioned good news for Frank and he was shocked. He was more worried about how to divide his bet rather than his future role ensuring more matured behaviour from him. His wife was also thinking along the same line as she said, "Well I am glad for it. With Frank as a Minister for E & R and James as Deputy Minister they will be forced to act more maturely. Sirius can't be helped I am afraid and Remus has always had a level head, so it will be nicer; certainly more peaceful around here." With Lily's statement the meeting broke and the group went back and re-joined the party that had spilled into the garden around the pond.

Down at the Pond after the Meeting, Potter Mansion

It was five in the evening and most of the M.U.P members had already left for their respective homes. Only the Potter family friends were still at Mansion stretched around the pond. Some, like the elder generation were lounging on the couches provided under the Cheery tree while the younger generation were running around with the children.

Fred and George approached the marauders with a proposal in mind

"Messrs' Prongs, Padfoot, Mooney and Erithos (Frank was a Robin- Erithacus Rubecola) we challenge you old folk for a Quidditch match." George followed Fred offer with a taunt,

"I mean if you are too afraid to play against us or don't want to be embarrassed in front of all your friends we would totally understand, but you have to concede your surrender to us and it will be our secret."

George's mocking produced the desired result in the Marauders; they looked outraged. Sirius jumped up from where he was lying on the grass, ready to take on these little pipsqueaks who dared challenge the Mighty and Unrivalled Marauders. James solemnly turned around to his friends

"I believe we are being challenged by these…. I don't know what these are. They don't even rate as amateurs. Though it is beneath us to play with such…ah players they have dared us, and Marauders don't take such blights on our sanctified reputation lightly."

Frank agreed, "Yes. So be prepared to be crushed boys. There will be no mercy, no prisoners."

Sirius joined the duo with his unique insight "You Squirts will look like Snevillus after a day working at the pet store."

"He means your mother won't recognise you after we are done with you. Better take back the challenge and get on your knees and hail loudly 'the Marauders are our Gods'. We might just give you respite and tease you for a week." Remus explained and taunted the seven youngsters assembled around the twins

. Lily, Maria and Alice who saw from afar the confrontation between the Marauders, new and Old just reached the congregation in time to hear Remus's counter-offer. Generally Remus was mild and genial, but mix the Marauders and their idiotic image issues and ego into it, he changes into the same as the rest, still better than the rest but miles away from his normal behaviour. Lily pointed that out, "Really Remus why do you get sucked into this weird vortex every time the Marauder issues plays by."

"I am sorry Lily but these little fries challenged the Marauders. And to make the matters worse they implied that we were scared of these weans. I can't let them talk like that about the Marauders." Remus stubbornly rebuked at Lily's admonishment.

Lily rolled her eyes and asked silently why the Gods of Wisdom abandoned Remus when he needed it and turned to Maria who was scolding lightly the young brood for goading the Marauders. They too were stubborn in their refusal to backdown. "Just because they can use their wands they always pranks us and last Sunday Uncle Sirius and Uncle James turned our hair blue for TWO hours. We want to humiliate them too. And in Quidditch they can't use magic, so we will crush them." Bill's emotional rant had every member of the Children's team nod and also made Lily glare at James and Sirius as the former hid from his wife's glare behind Sirius.

"Ya, We now have four players on the House teams. 'Dora is very good and I bet Fred and George will give Sirius a run for his money." Charlie explained further and more nods followed Charlie's statement. Alice and Maria sighed exasperatedly while Lily asked the twins if they wanted her to charm their brooms to fit them with pedals for supporting their legs. Lily, the resident Charms expert always charmed the brooms of the children when they played Quidditch for fun before, as the children were too young to balance themselves on the broom with just one hand to support them.

Fred and George, wanting to prove that they were in the league of their teammates, refused but good judgement prevailed in the form of Bill, their Captain who asked Lily to 'Please Charm' the brooms giving a stern look at Fred and George who were about to decline again. With Lily charming the brooms of the twins and 'Dora, She too asked her broom to be charmed as she wanted all the advantage they can get against their opponents, and the marauders going off to collect their rest of the team the atmosphere changed from pleasant to animated. Fifteen minutes later the two teams lined up in front of the audiences, in the middle of the Quidditch pitch.

As it was getting late in the evening the rules were fudged up a little. Only on hour was allotted for the game and team that scored more in that time was to be declared winner and the points for the capture of snitch was reduced to from one hundred and fifty to just fifty . Minerva McGonagall, a great Quidditch enthusiast was to be the referee. Filius Flitwick, the Hogwarts Charms Professor charmed the ground to minimise injuries with the help of Lily Potter. This match played to soothe jilted egos unknowingly paved way for the dawn of a new age in Quidditch History and this match found itself a place in Quidditch journals. Albus Dumbledore the Hogwarts Headmaster who was one of the audiences for the match and his Deputy, Minerva, enjoyed the match so much that they introduced a new 'timed' format of Quidditch the next academic year, after talking with John Granger who mentioned to them about the evolution of the game of Cricket from the Five day Tests to stimulating One day Matches just a decade ago.

The Match

Bill Weasley (13)

Teams – Juniors (New Cannons) - Chasers 'Dora Tonks (10)

Jack Bennett (13)

Keeper – Becky Bennett (13)

Beaters- Fred and George Weasley

Seeker- Charlie Weasley

James Potter

The Marauder's team – Chasers Luke Bennett

Arthur Weasley

Beaters – Sirius Black and Xeno Lovegood

Keeper - Remus Lupin

Seeker – Maria Lovegood (agreed after much begging and pleading of the Marauders)

Commentators of the Match – Lee Jordon and Albus Dumbledore

Referee for the Match – Minerva McGonagall

Score board Maintenance – Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood and Blake Potter

"We are here at Potter Mansion's Quidditch pitch to settle once and for all which generation are the better Quidditch players. The audiences have made themselves comfortable in their seats and the referee and players are making their way onto the pitch. The referee for the match is Minerva McGonagall and scorer is Blake assisted by 'bubbly' Luna and 'firecracker' Ginny. They had said that their loyalties are dived as they have players they like on both teams. The atmosphere is electrifying" Lee Jordan chattered on excitedly. Albus Dumbledore, his partner, was as calm as Lee was hyper. "Yes my dear boy it is indeed very exciting and I must say Minerva you look lovely in your referee uniform. You should do it more often." Albus commented calmly but his comments brought about gale of giggles and laughter as Minerva blushed, admonishing her mentor lightly with an 'ALBUS'. Lee giggled as he saw the generally severe professor blush. " He he hhe he. Well back to Quidditch, we have the brilliantly talented New Cannons on the right in bright purple robes while the feebly talented Marauder's team on the left in multi-coloured robes." Lee's comments brought boos from the marauders. "We will can the cannons", yelled by Sirius was replied with snickers from the Cannons supporters. "Well enough of this feud let's start the match shall we. Minerva is ready with the galleon for the toss. I think James won the toss as Bill called it wrong. And I think James has elected to start the attack with the Quaffle." Albus diverted the mocking battle between the two teams.

"James has the Quaffle and he is streaming down the pitch but he refusing to pass the Quaffle to anyone,. Oh dear I don't think his fellow chasers would appreciate it. He weaves through the cannons defence and has a shot at the right hoop."

"Yeah Go Becky. Thwarted by the Cannon's keeper. She guessed that Uncle James would aim for the right hoop; he always aims at the right hoop. How he scored so many goals for Gryffindor is a unexplainable." Lee's comments had James open mouthed, shocked that the kids knew of his fondness for aiming the right hoop. Lily and Dorea Potter both started laughing. James had always considered himself clever – faking to throw at the left but flinging right. But now the notion was destroyed by a six year old. If that wasn't hilarious then they couldn't guess what was. Charles and Augusta were however supporting their sons' so when James was flabbergasted at the statement, Charles cheered them on. "Come on James you can do this. They just know one of your shot and you have whole arsenal." Rejuvenated by his father's words James joined his fellow chasers trying to block the opposing chasers. But it was too late as Bill scored a goal after receiving a late pass from Jack. As it was a two against one attack within ten feet of the scoring hoops Remus was helpless. The goal erupted chaos among the grown-ups group. Sirius called in a time-out as Maria was laying into Luke Bennett instead of looking for the snitch; as did his wife, but as she was down on the ground he heard only Maria's objection.

"Luke Bennett! Never have I in my entire life seen such a deplorable thing. You attempted a Parkin's Pincer on a ten year old. Appalling. " Luke had attempted to make young 'Dora nervous by attacking her instead of marking Bill, his pre-selected target, failed. "Hey it didn't work did it? The little squirt pulled of Porkscoff Play. I didn't know she even knew of it much less pull it off perfectly and I didn't pull a Pincer. To pull it off we need three chasers and James was recovering from his shock." To say the least Maria was not impressed she spun around and came face to face with Sirius, the captain, and laid into him too.

"If any of you immature and idiotic men pull off something like it again I will never play with you again, got it?" Sirius nodded vigorously, Maria was their trump card and he didn't want to drive her away. Meanwhile Lee was heaving praises on 'Dora- "….was totally awesome. I have never seen a move like that. Tonks you rock and from now on I am your biggest fan." Dumbledore agreed. "It was indeed a brilliant move. Miss Tonks performed the manoeuvre to perfection. It's hard to believe that it's the same little girl who's clumsy on her feet." 'Dora struck her tongue out at Dumbledore as everyone laughed. 'Dora was famous/notorious for two things i) her very short temper and ii) her clumsiness. As the laughs were ending, Sirius signalled that they were ready to continue.

In the end after forty five minutes of agonizing pain Maria managed to save the marauders from blushes by stealing the snitch from Charlie at the last moment. The final result was an appalling 110 to 130 thanks to Maria whose snitch poaching awarded the Marauders fifty points when they were trailing by thirty points. The kids however were not disappointed; they knew that they had rocked the Marauders ship to the point of sinking it. If it wasn't for Maria Lovegood they would have won it. The marauders too knew this fact and this was the point of discussion in their next Marauders meeting. The next time the little monsters played they, the Marauders, will be prepared and win the game totally on their own merit. It's not that they didn't appreciate Maria's skill but the challenge issued was to them and in a way they had lost it.

A/N-

Parkin's Pincer: Two chasers close in on an opposing chaser on either side, while the third flies headlong towards him/her.

Porksckoff Ploy: The chaser carrying the quaffle flies upwards, leading opposing chasers to believe he/she is trying to escape them to score, but then throws the quaffle downwards to a fellow chaser waiting to catch it. Pinpoint timing is of the essence.

From Quidditch Through The Ages by JK Rowling

Minister Of Magic

Elphias Doge

Deputy Minister

James Potter

Minister of Education and Research & Development

Frank Longbottom

Associated Minister

Maria Lovegood

Minister of Law Enforcement

Amelia Bone

Assisted by

Alastor Moody

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Evey Bennett

Assisted by

Dewald Hoffmann

Minister for Agriculture & Relations

Douglas Watts

Associate Minister for Agriculture

Erin Griffiths

Assisted by

Arthur Weasley-Muggle Relations

Remus Lupin- Werewolves etc. Relations

Griphake the Strong – Goblins Relations

Minister for Health

Lily Potter nee Evans

Associate Minister

Shane O'Hanahan

Minister of Finance

Chloe Onorate

Associate Minister

Dedalus Diggle